Ocala National Forest Makes National Geographic’s Best of the World List for 2025

OCALA/MARION COUNTY, Fla.— The Ocala National Forest is officially on National Geographic’s BEST OF THE WORLD 2025, the brand’s annual list of the 25 awe-inspiring places to help travelers get a jump on planning for the year ahead. Following a robust nomination, researching and reporting process, the Ocala National Forest was selected as one of the BEST OF THE WORLD for 2025 by National Geographic’s team of travel experts and Nat Geo Traveller‘s international editorial teams, which serve millions of readers through their magazines and websites around the world.

"It is an absolute honor to have the Ocala National Forest featured on this esteemed list of destinations and we are beyond excited to share this beautiful forest with visitors from across the globe," said Loretta Shaffer, Tourism Development Director for Marion County. "The Ocala National Forest is the picture-perfect setting for a variety of outdoor activities that will make you feel miles away from civilization. With more than 600 lakes, rivers and springs, numerous campsites, and trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, birding and more, there truly is an experience for any traveler."

The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau offers a Guide to the Ocala National Forest on OcalaMarion.com to help visitors find ways to explore the southernmost national forest in the continental US.

“I like to think of BEST OF THE WORLD as National Geographic’s annual invitation to get out and explore for yourself the incredible diversity of places and experiences around the world,” said Nathan Lump, editor-in-chief of National Geographic. “This year, at a time of uncertainty and difficult challenges, that feels more important than ever. My hope is that our 2025 list is a reminder that there’s still so much to be excited about, and that through travel, we can connect with joy and hope.”

Designed as a menu of options to inspire travelers, BEST OF THE WORLD 2025 includes something for everyone — families, foodies, animal lovers, adventurers and more. This year’s list features experiences that are beneficial for both locals and travelers, locations where visitors are welcomed and support the destination’s environment and community.

The January 2025 print issue of National Geographic will also feature a deeper dive into select BEST OF THE WORLD
experiences. BEST OF THE WORLD 2025 is available online now at NatGeo.com/BestOfTheWorld, where readers can be transported to each destination through spectacular photography and reporting.

Visuals from National Geographic are available here. To follow the conversation on social, use #BestoftheWorld.

National Geographic Media Contacts:
Caitlin Holbrook, caitlin.holbrook@natgeo.com, (716) 225-0502
Anna Kukelhaus, anna.kukelhaus@natgeo.com, (202) 258-8020

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About: Internationally renowned among equestrians, cyclists, geologists, and even the world of classic cinematography, Ocala/Marion County still feels like a hidden gem to those who aren’t already insiders. And yet, when you’re here, you’re never an outsider. The relaxed, genuine friendliness of the county’s communities makes you feel welcome wherever you go. From its otherworldly natural springs to the compounds of World Equestrian Center and Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training to its vibrant restaurants, quaint shops, dynamic arts and culture, and historic sites, the destination takes you by surprise in the best of ways. For more information about Ocala/Marion County, visit OcalaMarion.com or call toll free 1.888.FL.OCALA.